5 Lunches You Can Make in 5 Minutes (each)

How many times have you found yourself in a pickle, not knowing what in the world you were going to send to school with your child? Raise of hands, anyone? I know that I have, but over the years I’ve developed a system for planning ahead and also have a few fall-backs to lean on when necessary. So today I am sharing 5 lunches you can make in 5 minutes. Yes, you read that right; these are quickies. Even though I always suggest packing the night before, these can even be made the morning of.

Although these are throw-together lunches, rest assured that they are real, wholesome meals that you can feel good about sending. No Uncrustables or processed junk here. And yes, feel free to make minor changes if needed. If you don’t have the vegetable that I suggest, substitute it with another. I aim to send a fruit and a vegetable in each of my kids lunches daily, or 2 fruits/2 veggies. The important thing is that you are sending a great, nutritious lunch!

It seriously doesn’t get any easier than this. I love that this is a filling meal with protein that will leave their bellies feeling full. I come back to this lunch pretty often and am guessing that you will, too!

Open package of rice and place on microwave-friendly dish. Open can of beans; drain, and add desired amount on top of rice. Top with cheese. Heat in microwave and transfer to lunch container or thermos.

Wash and chop romaine. If you are in a pinch, bagged romaine will work fine, too. Add to divided lunch container. Top with dressing (optional).

Add cherry tomatoes.

2. Pizza English Muffins, Broccoli and an Orange

An oldie but goodie, I have yet to see a child turn his nose up at this. I mean – pizza, right?! Full transparency – this one takes 5 minutes to cook the “pizza” and a few minutes to heat the broccoli in the microwave, but you’re technically done prepping quickly which is why I included it.

3. Hummus Dipper Lunch

Okay, so this one is not going to get any gourmet awards, but my kids have never been disappointed with this one! This lunch is an absolutely breeze to pull together, and you will likely have most of these items on hand anyhow.

4. Chicken Salad on whole wheat bread + diced melon and banana

Guess what? I’m gonna leave this one totally up to you. There are so many options for variety here, you can do whatever works best based on the foods that you have. Don’t have any whole wheat bread? Send it with crackers or pretzels (from the lunch above). No melon on hand? Substitute with another fruit or vegetable. Do what works for you, momma – it’s all good.

Wash strawberries; cut off tops and slice in half. Add these to one spot of the container, and the peas to another. Sending them frozen is fine; they will defrost by the time lunch starts.

So there you have it. 5 lunches you can make in 5 minutes. I’m sure that there are more out there, so why not share it with the readers below? Or tell me which is your favorite:).

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About Me

Hi! I’m a mom of four who provides healthy, gluten-free meals to my family while balancing a busy life. I hope to help you get meals on the table faster, and get your kids to help (and enjoy being!) in the kitchen. Start Here